State Passes New Law to Better Teach the Truth About January 6

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation into law requiring the Virginia State Board of Education to review curriculum for accurate instruction on the January 6, 2021, US Capitol insurrection. The law mandates the board assess whether history and social science curricula should include additional emphasis on the events during its next scheduled revision and textbook reviews. The measure was sponsored by state delegate Dan Helmer, who originally proposed stricter language banning the portrayal of the insurrection as peaceful or the teaching of election fraud claims that could have altered the 2020 election results. Spanberger modified Helmer’s bill in April after it passed the Democratic-controlled legislature, removing the outright ban on certain narratives. The law takes effect when schools reopen in early August, with no public statement from Spanberger’s office. Helmer, who briefly ran for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, framed the bill as a safeguard against ‘Trump’s version of January 6’ being taught in classrooms. Meanwhile, New York Assemblyman Charles Lavine has introduced legislation requiring public schools to instruct students on the January 6 insurrection and its aftermath. The bill, referred to the education committee in January, aims to ensure students learn the truth about the event. If not passed by December, it must be reintroduced next legislative session. The Virginia law follows broader debates over how schools address controversial historical events, with critics arguing misinformation could distort public understanding. Helmer’s proposal was part of his campaign platform, emphasizing the need for factual education on the Capitol siege.